By Xolile Hopa

iCAUR is set to expand its South African line-up with the 03T REEV, a range-extended electric SUV arriving in the fourth quarter. The model pairs a battery-electric drivetrain with a small petrol engine that acts solely as a generator, an approach the brand says suits local driving conditions.

The 03T REEV retains the styling of iCAUR’s electric 03T, including its flared arches and all-aluminium body, which the brand says is more than 30 percent lighter than an equivalent steel structure. It measures 4,550 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,785 mm tall, seats five and runs on 19-inch wheels.

The 03T REEV pairs a rear-mounted electric motor with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that works purely as a generator and never drives the wheels directly. Instead, it recharges the battery once the car’s electric range runs out, extending the total driving range without requiring a full stop to charge.

The electric motor produces 185 kW and 300 Nm, enough for a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h. Its 33.67 kWh battery provides a claimed electric-only range of 190 km on the NEDC cycle. With the petrol generator running, iCAUR puts the total range at 800 km.

Charging is rated at up to 6.6 kW on AC, while DC fast charging can take the battery from 30 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes under optimal conditions, according to the manufacturer. The car also has vehicle-to-load capability, allowing it to power external devices.

South African cars will come with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 50 W wireless charger and four-zone voice control. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning and a 540-degree camera system.

“Range extenders are a practical fit for South African roads,” said Shannon Gahagan, Head of Brand and Marketing at iCAUR and OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “Drivers get the simplicity of charging at home during the weekly commute, plus the freedom to refill at a standard fuel station when heading out of town.”

iCAUR has not yet released pricing or a firm launch date. The company says full local specifications will be confirmed closer to the vehicle’s arrival.